A-manual-for-writers-of-research-papers-theses-and-dissertations

1. Include only relevant data. If you want to include data just for the record, label itaccordingly and put it in an appendix (see A.2.3).2. Make the grid simple.GraphicsBox a graphic only if you group two or more figures.Do not color or shade the background.Never create a three-dimensional background for a two-dimensional graphic. Theadded depth contributes nothing and can distort how readers judge values.Plot data on three dimensions only when you cannot display the data in any other wayand your readers are familiar with such graphs.TablesNever use both horizontal and vertical lines to divide columns and rows. Use lightgray lines if you want to direct your reader's eyes in one direction to compare data or ifthe table is unusually complex. Avoid using gray lines or shading in anything that willbe microfilmed, because the photographed image may be blurred.For tables with many rows, lightly shade every fifth row.Do not use a font size smaller than nine points for a document that will bemicrofilmed. Smaller fonts will be illegible.Charts and GraphsUse grid lines only if the graphic is complex or readers need to see precise numbers.Make all grid lines light gray, unless the text will be microfilmed.Color or shade lines or bars only to show a contrast. Use color only if the text will beprinted in color and not photocopied later. (Black-and-white photocopies make manycolors look alike.)Never create a three-dimensional chart or graph if you can represent the same data intwo dimensions. The added depth contributes nothing and can distort how readers judgevalues.Never use iconic bars (for example, images of cars to represent automobileproduction). They add nothing, can distort how readers judge values, and lookamateurish.3. Use clear labels.www.itpub.net